This article is best viewed in a PDF Format.
There is now clear evidence from population studies involving large numbers of subjects to prove that age-related macular degeneration is more common in older people1 (0.3 per cent for those younger than 70 years increasing to 10.1 per cent for those 80 years and above), in those that smoke tobacco, for example2,3 and for Caucasians4 (melanin in the iris, RPE and choroid is thought to protect against radiation damage).5 In contrast the evidence to support a relationship between sunlight exposure and AMD and refractive error and AMD is inconclusive. This article will review evidence linking sunlight exposure to AMD as well as summarise recent developments in the enhancement of macular pigment optical density through the use of nutritional supplements. Links between refractive error and AMD will be discussed in the second article.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here